# Explain why plasma is important for transporting substances around the body.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 2.11 Transport: humans · Explain · 4 marks

> Blood is made up of several components, including a liquid called plasma. Plasma makes up approximately 55% of the total volume of blood and carries a variety of dissolved substances to and from the organs of the body.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Plasma is a liquid / watery fluid that carries substances in solution / dissolved substances
2. Plasma transports digested food products / glucose / amino acids / fatty acids and glycerol from the small intestine to body cells
3. Plasma transports carbon dioxide / urea / hormones / heat around the body
4. Plasma allows substances to be distributed to / collected from all parts / organs of the body via the circulatory system

## Key terms

- [plasma](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/plasma)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-plasma-is-important-for-db266498) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.